Bosingwa left to deal with Messi in Nou Camp showdown

By Neil Ashton

Jose Bosingwa will be asked to mark Lionel Messi in the Nou Camp after Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink revealed the Portugal defender will start Saturday's clash against West Ham at left back.

Hiddink considered other options to replace the suspended Ashley Cole for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona on Tuesday but Bosingwa, who has recovered from injury, is the likely starter and will be tested in that role at Upton Park.

Hiddink said: ‘We have some options at left back and Bosingwa is one of them, but he will play against West Ham.

‘Whoever plays against Messi has a tremendous job to do because he is one of the most productive players in the world when he is performing.

‘Bosingwa is fit and the injury has gone. I have three or four other options, but it’s not uncommon for a right-footed player to be left back. Ruud Krol did it for Holland in the 1974 World Cup final.’

Youngster Michael Mancienne played at left back for the reserves against West Bromwich Albion earlier in the week, while Juliano Belletti, Branislav Ivanovic and Ricardo Carvalho - who limped off during the second-string game and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s match with a hamstring injury - were the other options to fill in.

Hiddink had been tempted to rest a number of key players at Upton Park afterhe admitted that their chances of winning the Premier League are over followingWednesday’s 0-0 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge.

But he will pick Frank Lampard, who had a row with a radio phone-in host live on air on Friday morning morning after being criticised over his personal life.

Hiddink added: ‘If I would suggest he would rest, Frank would be very angry. That’s not a reason not to bring him.